This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, offers analysis, commentary, and reportage about the $4.9B project to build the Barclays Center arena and 15-16 towers at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park Brooklyn in 2014 after the Chinese government-owned Greenland Group bought a 70% stake going forward. As of 2018, after the arena and four towers were built, Greenland owns 95% of future construction.

Is Jay-Z just insulated from the Atlantic Yards reality? Or does he understand the hustle, but sometimes feels uncomfortable?

In response to my article on Jay-Z yesterday, one reader suggested that maybe the "cultural icon" just doesn't know the facts behind Atlantic Yards. After all, he tends to arrive and leave via Maybach, and is coddled and cheered along the way.

Maybe. But maybe he does understand the Atlantic Yards hustle, And while he certainly knows how to enthuse about the team and arena, maybe he's a bit uncomfortable with some of his partners.